Well Tempered Amadeus Options

Hi Guys, Once again I'd like to thank each and everyone of you, as it has made it easier for me to read between the lines on which options are worthwhile as well as going with the DPS Power Supply. I posted this inquiry on three different sites and just about everyone on each had their own views on what was what!, yet consensus is to go with the GTA model and the 20x2 as opposed to getting the standard version with an XXmk2, and in all honesty being someone whom sold Linn and Naim back in the day I totally understand/believe in the best source first rule followed by lesser components downstream. It's merely a no brainer and seeming that it's my last time doing this - why not go all out and not have to rethink my choice down the road and be thinking - what if?. Once again here's hoping each one of you and your loved ones the very best for the Holidays and lets just hope we're able to see beyond 12-21-2012!. Peace, Oscar

Hmm, I haven't had a chance to hear my XX-2 mkII that is being rebuilt by Soundsmith, but my impression is that the GTA difference I very minimal whereas many seem to think the upgrade from the. 20X2L to XX-2 is a big one (incl Don Better IIRC). And I don't see anyone in this thread saying that the GTA is a big sonic upgrade? Where are you finding this concensus you refer to? I'd be interested in seeing those impressions.

I'll bet you could platform the standard Amadeus on a heavy butcher block cutting board for $96 and it would make any difference between the two turntable versions go away. I have my SL1210 M5G on one (with Vibrapod cones above and silicone gel pads below) and it made a significant difference in draining the noise floor and improving dynamics and clarity--not that the Amadeus needs a lot of that. But again, I think the differences between the two TT versions would disappear.

I recommended it to an audio buddy who has a belt-drive Music Hall and he got great results as well.

Sorry Johnny, tried a Mapleshade under one, horrible. Made it sound pesky and robbed it of its natural music making.

Chashas1, I actually put this same posting here along with Audioasylum and on Pinkfishmedia and was able to get quite a bit of feedback on the other forums as well. It was Jason Hector whom rights for several British magazine along with a few others whom said it would get better results from using the GTA version with a 20x2 as opposed to using a XXmk2 on the standard version - and seeming that I used to assist in demos where Linn used to show the importance of the best Table first rule followed by tonearm and then the cartridge - always sounded better and made more logical sense then having a cheaper table with a state of the art tonearm and cartridge. It merely proved that in other to recieve all of the information buried in the grooves the table has to be up to par - as a friend of mine talks about the differences as heard to his ears in regard to Push Pull amps vs SET, which goes no one in their right might would build an amp that uses EL34's all out as they would with one based on 300B's or 845's that's like putting tires from Walmart on a BMW 750. In the end I got his point. For now I'm more concerned with getting the best version of the table I'm able to afford and worry about which route to go as far as better cartridges at a later date - Don also likes the EMT - esd 15 on these tables as well where some have even recommended using the Dynavector XV-1t - not in my lifetime................, I'd rather have 2-3 backup cartridges for that price, but that's just me being particle. Or cheap - it's one or the other. Regards, Oscar